Obama mourns Raila Odinga, says he put Kenya above ambition

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In a heartfelt message, former U.S. President Barack Obama praised the late Kenyan opposition stalwart Raila Odinga, calling him “a true champion of democracy.”

“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya,” Obama wrote on X.

“Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values,” he said.

Obama emphasized Odinga’s influence beyond Kenya’s borders: “Through his life, Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.”

Odinga, who died October 15, 2025, aged 80, was one of Kenya’s most enduring political figures.

His death triggered a national outpouring of grief, culminating in a heavily secured state funeral attended by dignitaries and tens of thousands of mourners.

In his tribute, Obama acknowledged Odinga’s willingness to forge consensus rather than exacerbate division, even after decades of contentious political battles.

His legacy includes a reputation for resilience, commitment to multiparty democracy, and an ability to bridge deep ethnic and ideological divides.

The message also resonated with Kenyans on social media, many of whom had called on Obama, who has familial roots in Kenya, to publicly mourn the passing of a distant relative and political ally.